YVETTE SWAN - A Walk on the Wild Side

February 25th - March 21st

"A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE is an exhibition of textured, colourful, abstract paintings which acknowledge the many paths and mannerisms we take on in life.

These paths are like coats that are worn and then discarded. We hide the vulnerabilities of our emotions under them. Life is an illusion. If we take it at face value, we might not ever discover the truth of why we are here in this lifetime, and what we are really supposed to work towards.

I see that there are many choices that can be made in life. There are many career paths to take; home, family and friendship choices to decide upon; and many different types of groups of people to associate with.

There is beauty in revealing the vulnerabilities beneath our facades. Most of us avoid showing these feelings to others. We avoid exposing who we are. A social tone is adopted that keeps the truth of the spirit hidden. In its place life can be like a film script, where the negativity of separation dominates.

Inspired by my recent travels to New York, I've chosen to explore life's illusion through the texture of the street; the bars; the creativity of the art world and music worlds; the life of fashion; and the influence of film".

Yvette Swan, 2004

In 1991 Swan completed her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree with the College of Fine Arts, University of New South Wales. Once completed, she traveled overseas, eventually living in London where she worked in the film industry. In 1994 Swan came back to Australia to become a photographer. In 1997 she returned to her passion, painting, and has created a career as a professional artist.

In 2000 Swan had her first solo exhibition and since then has had numerous group exhibitions, and a second solo show in Sydney, and has been commissioned for many corporate and private works.

In 2002 Swan was one of the finalists to exhibit in the Wynne Exhibition, which is annually shown alongside The Archibald at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. In 2003 she also was a finalist in the newly created Metro 5 Art Prize Exhibition, an art prize to support emerging artists under the age of 35 years. Following that opportunity, Swan became represented by Metro 5 Gallery in Victoria.